Former military hospital closed by police following ASB

An abandoned former military hospital building which has become a hub for anti-social behaviour including drug use, rough sleeping and criminal damage has been closed by police.

A full closure order was issued to 86 Lincoln Road, Millfield, Peterborough, by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) on Friday afternoon (22 March) following a successful application at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.

The property, which was used as a military hospital in both world wars and most recently used by Age Concern, has been vacant for several years but seen to attract anti-social and criminal behaviour in recent months.

Police have received numerous calls about activity at the property among the homeless community and known drug users, who have taken up residency within the vacant premises.

PC Dan Lindop, from the Eastern Peterborough NPT, said: “The visual damage and decline of the building is infuriatingly apparent – human defecation in all rooms as well as outside, uncapped needles throughout, flooring ripped up, radiators pulled off walls, exposed wiring, evidence of fires being set to name a few things.

“What was once a very lovely home and subsequent business premises is now in a general state of disrepair and has the potential to cause serious injury and/or loss of life to those using the building and residents of the adjoining retirement housing complex.”

Since being made aware of the issues, the local NPT has been in contact with the property owners to address the problems and agreed measures put in place to prevent the activity, however no action has been taken to date which has prompted the application for the closure order to be imposed.

The order states the property, including its outbuildings and gardens, are closed to everyone except the landowners and their contractors, and members of the emergency services until 23 June.

It was granted on the grounds that a person has engaged in anti-social behaviour on the premises and its use is associated with significant and persistent disorder, causing serious nuisance to members of the public.

Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment of up to three months, a fine or both.

PC Lindop added: “We have had numerous reports to us relating to concerns for the building and safety of the individuals gaining access to it, as well as residents from the retirement housing complex expressing concerns around feeling anxious and unsafe in their homes because of the activity next door.

“The activity has also attracted significant anti-social behaviour in the area surrounding the property, affecting the wider community and neighbouring residents.

“I hope this action provides some reassurance to the community. We will continue to regularly visit the property and anyone found breaching the order will be dealt with robustly.”

Anyone with information about the order being breached should contact us via our web chat service or report online. Those without internet access should call 101.